Frequently Asked Questions

Cruising has never been more popular or affordable. If you are a first-time cruiser, be sure to use a CruiseShipCenters Consultant to help plan the vacation that is just right for you. We have extensive knowledge of destinations, cruise lines, and even the character of each ship! Take advantage of our experience.

Is cruising expensive?

Just do the math. Compare a one week cruise against a week at a non-all inclusive resort. On a cruise vacation, your meals, accommodations, entertainment, and most activities are included in the fare. It's easy to stick to your budget. Plus, on a cruise you get to visit many different ports of call. Unpack once and settle in for a journey that takes you anywhere you want to go. At the end of the day, you retreat to a floating resort to enjoy fabulous cuisine, world-class entertainment, then get lulled to sleep at sea.

Will I get seasick?

Today's cruise ships are engineered with state-of-the-art stabilizers that greatly reduce ship motion. If seasickness is a concern, choose a cabin towards the center of the ship where ship movement is less pronounced. You can also consult your doctor about medications to take in case of motion sickness.

Won't I get bored?

Only if you want to be. How would you like to go ice skating, rock climbing, practice your golf swing, shoot a few hoops, go to the casino, see a Broadway-style show, do some shopping, work out at the gym, relax at the spa, take a dip in the pool, log onto the Internet? You can do it all without ever leaving the ship! Every ship has a Cruise Director whose job is to make sure each guest makes the most of their vacation. In fact, there are so many things to do while cruising that you will probably book a longer cruise next time.

Will I feel claustrophobic on the ship?

Most people are so busy exploring the ship and different ports of call, they spend very little time in their stateroom. If you need more room, choose a cabin with a balcony or upgrade to a mini-suite or suite. You may also want to cruise on one of the larger ships such as the Grand Princess, Royal Princess or Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas. You definitely won't feel confined! You might want to consider a shorter cruise for your first time, such as a three or a four day Caribbean cruise. Another option is an itinerary with many ports of call. This lets you discover new places and get off the ship for the day.

Are there different classes of service?

Every guest can enjoy the use of any of the ship's facilities. The price and the category of staterooms are based primarily on size and location. Whatever category you book, you'll enjoy the same courteous service, exquisite dining, variety of activities, and world class entertainment as everyone else.

What is there to do in port?

So much, you'll have a hard time choosing! You can go off on your own or take a guided tour. You can search ancient ruins or hunt for shopping bargains. Ride a raft over river rapids, bicycle down the side of a 10,000 foot volcano, or ride a horse across miles of beaches. Climb a waterfall or a pyramid. See the birthplace of civilization or listen to steel drum bands. Follow the footsteps of history or the wake of a water-skiing boat. If there's still time (and you aren't ready to rest yet), enjoy a folkloric show. Play golf, basketball or tennis. Discover local and exotic cuisine or learn how to windsurf. Sun and swim on some of the world's best beaches. Catch a record-size marlin. Sail, snorkel, or go scuba diving. Go to a nightclub or a glittering casino. Take a cable car to the top of a mountain. Explore dark catacombs. In short, a cruise is the easiest way to see new places and do all of the things you dream about. Cruising is the perfect opportunity to sample destinations that you may want to return to for another vacation. You only have to unpack once, and the destinations come to you!

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance can give you and your loved ones peace of mind that in the case of an emergency you'll be protected. Whether you're looking for medical coverage in a foreign country or want to protect your belongings, there is an insurance policy that is right for you. If you currently have travel insurance, be sure to understand what is covered and what limitations or exclusions may be listed. Unfortunately, there are a myriad of unforeseeable circumstances that could occur when traveling to a new place, and travel insurance can protect your vacation investment.

Can I smoke onboard?

Smoking on cruise ships has become quite the subject of debate, however, most cruise lines have adopted the policy of designated smoking areas, with the rest of the ship being a no smoking zone. In general, smoking is usually prohibited in exterior public spaces as well as indoors. You can check with your Cruise Consultant, cruise line or your specific cruise ship about their smoking policy, as well as the location of any designated smoking areas.

Can I bring alcohol onboard?

In general, most cruise lines do not allow you to bring alcohol onboard. If you buy alcohol as a souvenir at the ports of call, your cruise line may store them for you until the end of your vacation. You can inquire with your Cruise Consultant for your cruise line's specific alcohol policies.

Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?

Families with children book 25% of all cruise vacations. Most cruise lines offer special programs, facilities, and activities based on age. Children and teens not only get to meet kids their own age, but often travel at a substantially-reduced rate.

Many cruise lines have extensive programs and special activities for every age group, from toddler to teen. This gives youngsters a chance to experience the cruise with kids their own age while mom and dad enjoy some adults-only time together. Naturally, many of the traditional pleasures of a cruise, such as shore excursions, onboard ship activities, and dinners, can be shared by the whole family together.

Your CruiseShipCenters Consultant can recommend the ideal family vacation. Here is a sample of some of the amenities that are offered:

Princess Cruises' Youth and Teen Centers include various games tables, movie rooms, and all the latest video games. The new Sun Princess and Dawn Princess have an extensive toddlers' play area. For teens, there are special entertainment hideouts called "Cyberspace" and "The Fast Lane." The friendly staff coordinate and supervise a variety of activities including karaoke, movie fest, theme parties, and more.

Royal Caribbean International caters to family cruising by offering special suites that sleep up to six people. Young cruisers are divided into "Aquanauts" (ages 3 - 5), "Explorers" (ages 6 - 8), "Voyagers" (ages 9 - 12) and "Navigators" (ages 13 - 17). The daily "Compass" itineraries are delivered at night to the door of each child and teen, highlighting the next day's events and activities.

Many cruise lines cater to family vacationers, however, there are some restrictions. Some ships also have better facilities than others. Your CruiseShipCenters Consultant can help you plan the right cruise for your family.

What about the night life?

At night, life aboard a cruise ship really turns on. There's dancing, live entertainment, discos and lounges, feature films, and parties with all your new friends. Most ships even have casinos. There are special events like the Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger Talent Night, the Masquerade Parade, and the Late Night Buffet (for that one last bite to tide you over 'til breakfast). And the night can go on as long as you want. Even until the spectacle of sunrise at sea.

What should I pack?

Pack like you would for any resort. Cruise vacations are casual by day, whether you're on the ship or on shore. In the evening, ships vary as to dress. Much like on shore, attire is dictated by occasion. At the Captain's Gala, for example, you'll probably want to wear something more formal, such as a dark suit, cocktail dress, a dinner jacket, or a gown.

Will I need a tuxedo?

On some cruises, formal dinners or parties are part of the fun. But you don't need to rent a tuxedo just for the trip. Even on the most formal ships, a dark suit and tie are fine for the dressiest occasions.

Can I use my hair dryer or shaver?

Most ships have 110-volt outlets in the staterooms. Check with your Cruise Consultant to be sure.

What about tipping?

Tipping is a matter of individual preference. Most cruise lines include a tipping guideline in your stateroom. A general standard is to plan for about $2.50 to $3.00 per person, per day for your room steward and dining room waiter and about half that amount for your busboy. Some cruise lines include tipping/gratuities in the price. Other ship personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion.

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